Money. Big Money.

So, the new Bond flick Quantum of Solace opened in the US to the tune of an $82.1 million first week which was 30% higher than the last one, Casino Royale (which was by far the biggest grosser in the series' history). Since, unlike most big blockbusters, Solace opened overseas first, it now sits at a worldwide cumulative gross of $355 million. Them's big numbers! It no doubt means that another big budget Bond with Daniel Craig is in the pipeline. But, more importantly, many industry pundits are pionting to the Bond success (as well as the huge buzz and pre-sale for this weekend's teen vampire flick, Twilight) as evidence that the film/entertainment industry is recession proof.

It may be a bit early to declare that, but it is a good sign for those of us out here working -- and trying to work. By the way, anybody see Quantum of Solace yet?

Something in the Air

As many of you have likely heard, wildfires have again struck Southern California. With the Santa Ana winds spreading the flames, thousands of people have been displaced and many homes have been destroyed. Millions of Californians have been affected since even miles and miles away from the fires, the air quality is pretty bad -- In fact, I showed up at my softball game yesterday morning only to find out it was canceled because of all the ash in the air. Of course, even though everybody is walking around coughing, it is really only a minor annoyance compared to what so many other folks are having to deal with. Here are some pictures of this weekend's fires and the resulting devastation...

CHiPs

Anybody, especially if you're a boy, of a certain age remembers the TV show CHiPs which was on in the late 70's and early 80's. One of my favorite shows when I was a kid. Well, now that I live out here, I occasionally see the California Highway Patrol (CHiPs) in action. And every time I see their bikes and those cool, tight, light brown uniforms, it makes me think of Ponch and Jon. Last night, on the way to my workshop, one such officer pulled behind me on the highway and stayed behind me until I got to my exit. Usually when an officer of the law is driving behind me, I get kind of nervous, but this time I actually thought it was funny -- I kept remembering how Ponch would always pull women over for "being too beautiful" or for "driving without my number" -- what a smoothie.

Of course, all night, while people (including me!) were doing their scenes in class, I had that amazing synth CHiPs theme song running through my head...

What Recession?!

As a proud alum of the University of Chicago, I get occasional updates from the school, as well as those inevitable post-grad requests for cash. Unfortunately, I can barely pay my bills now, so I can't afford to help a prospective student pay his bills just yet. But, I digress... The latest e-mail I got was a jaw-dropper. David Booth, MBA '71, just donated $300 million to the business school at U of C. Yes, that's right - Three Hundred MILLION dollars. That is mindblowing, especially in today's floundering economy.

This is the largest gift ever to a business school (besting Nike founder Philip Knight's $105 million gift to Stanford) and one of the largest of any kind. Of course, U of C will name the school in honor of Mr. Booth. Good for him, and good for the school. Go Maroons!

Full article HERE

Soaps on the Ropes?

I took a couple of great workshops over the weekend. One was part 1 of a 3 part Soap workshop -- yes, those wonderful sudsy daytime shows that housewives/househusbands watch. Or that they used to watch. I guess fewer and fewer people tune into the melodrama these days. In fact, I hear that many of the ones currently on the air might be canceled relatively soon. Still, the ones that do remain provide steady work for the lucky ones that get on.

And, no, working on daytime TV isn't really my first choice -- but it would be working, which would be good. And, no, I wouldn't get cast as the strapping 23-year old hunky love-muffin (I'm afraid my age, chest hair and my not-quite-less-than 5% body fat body would preclude me ;) But, that being said, I would love to be a cop or a lawyer or private eye or some such other thing while I am pursuing what I really want to do. At least, I think I would. Part 1 on Saturday was with a manager who only reps daytime actors. He was very forthright about what it takes to be on a soap and the direction that daytime TV is heading. And the next two weeks are with the casting director of one of the big daytime shows, so I guess I'll see what she thinks of my 'soapability.'

The other CD workshop was with Lisa Loia-Bourne, and she was really wonderful. Rather than the usual "start with questions," Lisa gave us her (very diverse and impressive!) background, and had a bunch of industry advice -- what to do and not to do, both in general and specifically for the office she works at. She similarly took the time with each of the scenes to give notes and feedback, both good and bad, and allowed the actors to do each scene multiple times. It was a very informative session overall, and I hope to read for her again someday soon.